Periyar National Park, Thekkady

If you want to enjoy an encounter with the majestic Bengal Tigers or the massive Mammoths during your Kerala trip, you must visit the wildlife abode called the Periyar National Park. Located in the Idukki district of God’s Own Country, this wildlife protected reserves is among the most stunning and diverse wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala; and also throughout the country.

Sprawling over an area of 925sq.km, Periyar National Park; also called Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is nestled amidst the fascinating Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the great Western Ghats. Owing to its scenic location and evergreen ambience, it has become an ideal home to a large number of rare and endangered wildlife species.

With the Periyar Lake flowing through the park, visitors can indulge in boat cruises across the lake and enjoy the wondrous beauty of Periyar National Park and its dwellers. Also, as the park comprises of vast expanses of tropical grasslands and moist deciduous forests, it also attracts a large number of bird species, herbivorous mammals, reptiles, and other exotic wildlife species. On a visit to the Periyar National Park, visitors can easily spot the Bengal Tigers, White Tigers, Indian Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Nilgiri Tahr, Salim Ali’s Fruit Bat, Sloth Bear, and numerous other species. The park also boasts of its avifauna species like Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Black Baza, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Black-Necked Stork, and lot more.

How to Reach Periyar National Park:

1By Road:

Kumily serves as the nearest point or town to the park. The town is well-connected with Kottayam with an ample of private and regional buses. One can also hire taxis or cabs from Kottayam to reach Periyar National Park.

2By Train:

Kottayam Railway Station; located at a distance of around 114km, serves as the nearest railway station to reach Periyar National Park. Following arrival in Kottayam, visitors can either opt for regular buses or hire independent cabs or taxis to reach the park.

3By Air:

The Madurai Airport; at a distance of 140km, is the nearest airport to reach Periyar National Park. After this, the Cochin International Airport; at a distance of 200km, can be ideal destination to make it to the Periyar National Park in Kerala.

Best Time to Visit Periyar National Park:

Periyar National Park blooms at its best during the months of October to June. During this period of the year, visitors can spot a large number of predators, mammals, migratory birds, and other dwellers of the park. It is also one of the best times to indulge in nature or wildlife photography in Periyar National Park.